From: "Lisa Gue" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, Mar 28, 2001, 9:11 AM
Subject: Urgent Action Alert: Tell your Representative in Congress to
support strong radiation protection standards!

(apologies for cross-postings)

Tell your Representative in Congress to support strong radiation protection
standards!

WHAT'S HAPPENING:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required by the Nuclear Waste
Policy Act to set radiation protection standards for the proposed high-level
nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.  This process is now in its
last stages and a rule could be finalized within the next few days.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and Nuclear Regulator Commission (NRC) are
pressuring the administration to further weaken the already inadequate
proposed rule.  The DOE and NRC want to eliminate groundwater protection
standards and increase the "acceptable" individual radiation exposure limit
from 15 millirems to 25 millirems annually.

WHAT'S AT STAKE:
* Health and Safety -The DOE is expected later this year to recommend the
Yucca Mountain site for development as a permanent repository for high-level
radioactive waste generated by U.S. commercial reactors and weapons
facilities.  A favorable recommendation is contingent upon an assessment of
whether a Yucca Mountain repository could meet EPA radiation protection
standards.  An artificially week standard would skew the suitability
assessment and threaten public health and safety near America's fastest
growing city (Las Vegas).

* Precedent - Although this rule is "site-specific" to Yucca Mountain, it
will set an important precedent for radiation protection at DOE and
NRC-licensed sites.  At stake is the EPA's authority in regulating radiation
exposures, and the application of Safe Drinking Water Act standards for
groundwater protection at Yucca Mountain, nuclear reactor sites, and the DOE
weapons complex.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
* Representatives Shelley Berkley (D-NV) and Jim Gibbons (R-NV) have
initiated and circulated a joint letter to the President in support of a
strong standard that includes groundwater protection and does not weaken
individual exposure limits. Signatures will be collected through Friday,
March 30.  CALL AND E-MAIL YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TODAY.  URGE HIM/HER TO
CO-SIGN THIS LETTER.


CALL the Capitol Switchboard to be connected to your Representative's
office: (202) 225-3121

E-MAIL your Representative.  Locate the address at:
www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html


Please contact Public Citizen for more information:
Phone: (202) 454-5130 - e-mail: [log in to unmask] - website:
www.citizen.org/cmep